Projects

GM Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant Expansion

Markets

Capabilities

Client

General Motors

Project Size

263,000 SF

UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGE

When General Motors decided to expand one of their major North American assembly plants, they engaged Ghafari with whom they had established a successful partnership on the original plant. The goal of this expansion was to enable GM to increase production of their fleet of three crossover vehicles to meet growing market demands and accommodate the newest generation of robotics and flexible tooling.

TAILORING THE SOLUTION

We developed the bridging documents and served as the design arm of the design-build team that added roughly 28,000 SF to the existing general assembly building and more than 181,000 SF to the automotive body shop. In addition, we expanded the paint shop by 54,000 SF to allow use of improved sealers and coatings that increase corrosion resistance.

Our design incorporates low-emitting materials similar to those used in the original plant, the world’s first automotive assembly complex to earn LEED Gold certification.

SUPPORTING WHAT MATTERS

The expansion supported significant business goals for GM. The additional manufacturing space has created room for updated, more advanced equipment that in turn increases employee productivity. In addition, in line with their corporate initiatives, their investment in this expansion has strengthened their overall capabilities at this key Michigan plant.

We were able to leverage our existing 3D models from the original plant to design the expansion more efficiently. Working closely with the client and contractor, we brought this project in under budget and with minimal interruptions to production.